Frauds & Scams

3 Ways to Fight Scammers Who Target Your Social Security Benefits

March 4, 2021 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: July 19, 2021

woman on couch making a phone callScammers are always finding new ways to steal your money and personal information by exploiting your fears. The most effective way to defeat scammers is to know how to identify scams and to ignore suspicious calls and emails.

One common tactic scammers use is posing as federal agents and other law enforcement. They may claim your Social Security number is linked to a crime. They may even threaten to arrest you if you do not comply with their instructions. Here are three things you can do:

  • Hang up right away or do not reply to the email.
  • Never give personal information, money, or retail gift cards.
  • Report the scam immediately to our law enforcement team at the Office of the Inspector General.

You should continue to remain vigilant of phone calls when someone says there’s a problem with your Social Security number or your benefits. If you owe us money, we will mail you a letter explaining your rights, payment options, and information about appealing.

Related: Inspector General Announces 2nd National “Slam the Scam” Day

There are a few ways you can identify a scam call or email. Remember that we will never:

  • Threaten you with benefit suspension, arrest, or other legal action unless you pay a fine or fee.
  • Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
  • Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card.
  • Demand secrecy from you in handling a Social Security-related problem.
  • Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.

If you do not have ongoing business with us, it is unlikely we will contact you. Again, if you get a suspicious call claiming to be from Social Security, you should hang up and report it right away to our Office of the Inspector General. Please share this important information with your friends and family—and join us for “Slam the Scam” Day on Thursday, March 4.

Here’s a list of our “Slam the Scam” Day events:

  • 1:00 pm – Spanish language Twitter chat. Use hashtags #OjoConLasEstafas and #NCPW2021 to follow and participate.
  • 3:00 pm – English language Twitter chat. Use hashtags #SlamTheScamChat and #NCPW2021.
  • 7:00 pm – Facebook Live on government imposter phone scams featuring Tracy Lynge, the Communications Director at our Office of the Inspector General, and Drew Johnson, the Chief of Staff at the Federal Trade Commission’s Division of Consumer and Business Education. Be sure to ask your scam-related questions in the blog comments below—and we will answer them.

Did you find this Information helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!
See Comments

About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Related Articles

Don’t Be a Scam Victim—You’re in Control

Don’t Become the Catch of the Day

Is that Phone Call From Us?

Don’t Let Scammers Prey on Your Generosity

Comments

  1. JOhn H.

    I agree with you. I was looking for some cross-references, and found this one. I really think that I found something worth reading. I am putting it on my RSS feed to ensure that I don’t miss out on your posts.
    TheWatchSeries.to

  2. simbaqq

    SimbaQQ BandarQ Pulsa Terhoki saat ini di Indonesia

  3. simbaqq

    SimbaQQ Situs Pkv Games Paling Hoki di Indonesia

  4. blackbuu49

    Banyak hadia di Agogo888 yang menyediakan situs slot online terlengkap dan banyak games yang menarik. Join sekarang.

    http://216.83.47.176/

  5. Johnny G.

    Very explanatory and informative, Darlynda! Thank you

    Greetings from Texas

    Johnny G.

    • Mitra S.

      Especially in casinos, I like gambling. I will then tell you where to go so that I don’t make a mistake. I’m aware of that, so I recommend that you look up and read the parimatch casino info. Many are aware of parimatchwin registration but more information about them can be found here. It is highly recommended that the details be examined and read. I hope I’ve been of use.

  6. John Y.

    thanks for psot!

  7. Ceme O.

    Permainan Judi Poker Ceme Online Terbaik hanya bisa anda dapatkan di Qiuceme

  8. Tom Y.

    I always have a nice experience on SSA’s blog, good information and keep us updated about last news, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us

    Take care and regards

    best regards

    Tom Y

  9. lisa

    You should continue to remain vigilant of phone calls when someone says there’s a problem with your Social Security number or your benefits. If you owe us money, we will mail you a letter explaining your rights, payment options, and information about appealing.Agen

  10. Capsaqiu

    Bermain Capsa Susun Online dan Bandar Ceme Online Terbaik bersama kami hanya di Capsaqiu

    • Alessandro

      good post!

      • Alessandro

        Once I also wrote an essay on the topic “Jurisprudence” and I tell you it was not easy, especially when you do not have decent information and do not understand exactly how to write an essay correctly. I suffered for a long time, read various books on this topic, but nothing came to my mind. How lucky I was that I found free essay samples online on the Internet and took check this there, with the help of which I supplemented my text and it turned out to be simply cosmic!

Comments are closed.